Ti linksters will count on experience this season

TICONDEROGA-The Ticonderoga golf team learned some painful lessons a year ago. In 2011 the Sentinels hope that experience pays off.

"In 2010 the team eked out at least two unexpected wins by sheer grit," Coach John Dreimiller said. "That is not to say they did not experience some hard lessons along the way. Tough losses by wide margins to Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh High showed needed areas of improvement. We hope for the best in 2011."

Ti posted a 3-7 Champlain Valley Athletic Conference record last season. The Sentinels will rely on a combination of veterans and rookies to improve in 2011.Leading the team will be seniors Brandon Whalen and Matt Nolan, who Dreimiller touts as the team's most improved player a year ago. Adam Losher, a junior who improved seven strokes a round last season, also returns.

Tucker Ward and Jacob Young, a pair of promising freshmen, saw competition last year as eighth graders. Dreimiller noted each matured, shaving several strokes from their averages.

Newcomer Randy Bevins is also a key member of the club, which is rounded out by eighth graders Paige Gunning, Lindsey Hellier, Michaela Baker, C.J. Fenimore, Skyler Barber and Hannah Whitford.